Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - A better Vapor Barrier.

How much better is a barrier like "Pergo Moisturbloc™ Film" which has some additive for "increased alkaline resistance" compared to a genenric, plain 6mm polyethylene film?

Is the added cost worth the investment?

I understand from reading the posts that some people have laid down 2mm as well?

I'm planning on installing laminates in my condo which has cement floors.
Thanks as always. :)

Are you installing Pergo flooring..and if so, do they recommend using their VB?
If so, as mentioned on this site by others, is to use what is recommended by the flooring mfgr. It may be a little more costly, but it will ensure you against any warrenty issues. Just my $.02 worth.
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I would NOT go with 2mm VB...way too thin imo. 6mil is norm.

Jatco, no, I'm not using Pergo. I'm using Sequoia from BJ's.
They just recommend 0.2mm polyethylene sheeting. I'm gonna use 0.6 though like you recommended.

I was at Home Depot looking for vapor barriers and molding and saw Pergo's special VB. What's this "additive for increased alkaline resistance" anyway?

BTW, when I tape down the VB overlaps, am I supposed to some "special" tape?

I asked a guy at Home Depot and he told me to use the masking tape! I just walked away from him. I somehow knew that the masking tape wouldn't be right. Thx.

Jatco, no, I'm not using Pergo. I'm using Sequoia from BJ's.
They just recommend 0.2mm polyethylene sheeting. I'm gonna use 0.6 though like you recommended.
....Im not familiar with that product or the supplier 'BJ's..but I wouldnt go with their recommendation of 2mil. 6mil is pretty much standard that Ive seen...and used.

I was at Home Depot looking for vapor barriers and molding and saw Pergo's special VB. What's this "additive for increased alkaline resistance" anyway?
Might just be the 'Marketing' of their "Pergo Moisturebloctm Film" as described here...http://www.pergo.com/PergoDesign/US/US_Accessories_Detail/1,1065,USA-0-UL,00.html. Looks like the basic 6mil to me.

BTW, when I tape down the VB overlaps, am I supposed to some "special" tape?

I asked a guy at Home Depot and he told me to use the masking tape! I just walked away from him. I somehow knew that the masking tape wouldn't be right. Thx.
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Yes.. their is a special tape used for vapor barrier. "Tuck Tape"...usually comes in Red..sorta see threw...but compatible with VB. The guy at HD is mistaken. !
Just use that to tape your seams. Overlap your seams by at least 8" if possible...unless the mfgr suggests otherwise.
Good luck and let us know how you make out.

Gotcha. I can't seem to locate this "tuck" tape and I need to start installing this Thursday. Home Depot didn't have it...

What do you think about using Duct tape instead?

HD should carry the Tuck Tape. Ive gotten it from them b4. You might find it in the drywall section, near where they sell plaster, platering tools, etc. or by their rolls of vapor barrier. Its a common tape used for vapor barrierr.
I would find and use the Tuck tape. Makes a much better seal to the VB than any other tape...'coz its moisture resistant.
If HD doesnt have it, is there a Rona/Revy near you too? - Try them.
Later
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Edit.
Just bought some more 'tuck tape'..and realized that perhaps the name 'Tuck Tape'..is from a Cdn(Canadian mfgr)..'coz the new roll I just bought does not say 'Tuck Tape'..(tho the cash register receipt says so). The label on this new roll says.. 'Sheathing Tape'. - Weather and UV Resistant- Adheres to Poly Plastic -Powerful adhesive (wow...such advertising....).
Mfgr- VentureTape. Rockland Ma. 02370 USA...(and imported, I gather, to Canada).. So this should be available south of this boarder.
This is what you want to use....not Duck tape (thicker).
Let us know how you make out.
This stuff sticks to anything...(just abouts). I know I used this to temp hold some plastic to our vinyl sidding just to cover some stuff for a short period of time..and when I removed the plastic and tape.. the tape left behind its 'red' residue...So watch where you use this...Ideally...for vapor barrier..
Good luck...

Jatco, thx for the detailed info.
I went to http://www.venturetape.com and called the company.

They said their brand is sold as "Frost King" in the Insulation/Enery Saving section. He also said that I should be using "Polyethylene Sealing Tape."

Fellow DIY floor installers! No masking nor duct tape for the vapor barriers!!! :)

here's the red sheathing tape from link above.
http://www.venturetape.com/final/construction_products.asp?id=459
" Used for sealing seams and repairing cuts in housewraps, foamboards, poly barriers and all exterior sheathing products. "

Differant brands/mfgr's..et al.
So long as you use what it is intended for!
That stuff does stick to everything. I still have remanents of it on my vinyl siding..when I had to rig up some 'protection' when our furniture was outside on the deck.....
So be carefull....(sortof..) where you use this tape.
Its good stuff............and sticks!!!
You guys are sooo kewl!!. Great feedback
Kudos

All the tape is, is packing tape.

Clear packing tape is just the same.

For real?????
Then, is all this whoopla just a marketing stratedgy for the 'industry'.
Sorry.... I cant believe that!.
Give me/us a break. You mean to say that this 'specific' tape is just 'coup' from its mfgr's ..to buy their 'specific tape' for a 'specific job'????
If so, than that, (to me) is ludicruss!!!
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BUT...then again............if it works..than go for it!!!!
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For me, if it works for you..then use it!

Perry, are you serious!?!

I went all over the place looking for this tape and no one knew what I was talking about. :mad: I finally found one at a Home Depot called "Weather Seal Tape" by Frost King in their home insulation section.

Serious as a heartattack on the 4th of July!

Go to the flooring section and look at the Armstrong Brand Laminate underlayment at Lowe's and Home Depot, In the bag that the laminate underlayment roll is packaged, is a small roll of 3M packing tape.

I have 30 year old cardboard boxes, that the tape is still holding.

Yea, Perry, but thats tape on paper....
It seems and feels to me, like the 'sheather tape' is much more 'sticker' than reg. packaging tape....but if that works for you, go for it!